BRACELET, IDENTIFICATION, plastic, neonate, white

A single-piece circular band designed to be worn around the wrist (i.e., bracelet, wristband), or sometimes ankle in babies, to provide identification and basic information about a patient. It is a slender, thin, and soft plastic band, with a self-locking device.

• Colour: white
• Length +/- 16 cm
• Material: flexible, smooth, waterproof, cleanable, breathable and non-allergenic: soft vinyl or non-stretch polyester, latex-free.
• No sharp corners, profiling or edges that can irritate or rub the skin, including any edges that are produced when cutting the band to size.
• Fastening: vinyl clasp closure (no metal). Fastenings should not press into the skin.
• Durable: information cannot wear off.
• No special pens required to write on.
• The space available for patient data is adequate for the patient identifiers to be recorded clearly and unambiguously.

Patient identification bands are worn by inpatients. The primary purpose of an identification band is to identify the patient wearing the band.

The patient's identification bracelet should be checked and have at least two legible identifiers:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Medical record, or other identification number.

Neonates require additional patient identification. Refer to local policy.

Patient identification bands have black text on a white background as this provides the best contrast, which is an important factor in legibility.